Articles

Can Central Asia Seize the Initiative?

October 30, 2022 S. Frederick Starr The National Interest

The meetings by heads of state in Issyk-Kul and Tashkent earlier this summer showed clearly that America’s abrupt departure from Afghanistan last year and its long-term neglect of Central Asia did not mark the end of history. Quite the contrary.

The Sources of Russian Conduct

August 15, 2022 Ilan I. Berman Journal of Policy & Strategy

Some three-quarters of a century after Kennan’s “long telegram,” the United States—and the West more broadly—has little understanding of the ideological constructs and strategic principles animating contemporary Russian decision-making. In the absence of such awareness, successive governments have fallen short in anticipating Russia’s post-Cold War foreign policy maneuvers. They have likewise floundered in formulating a cogent response to them. 

NATO Gets A New Lease On Life – For Now

July 31, 2022 Ilan I. Berman Jewish Policy Center

Perhaps the most profound impact of Russia’s new war has been to revitalize the West’s oldest and most enduring alliance. Until recently thought by many to be on its deathbed, NATO has found renewed purpose in deterring a revanchist and neo-imperial Russia, and convinced skeptics of the indispensable role it should play in maintaining global security.

How the U.S.-Israel Partnership Is Tackling China

July 26, 2022 Ilan I. Berman Newsweek

It is clear that Israel is working hard to strike a balance between its own economic interests and a new, and changed, global landscape that has U.S.-China competition as a defining feature. Other American allies should be watching closely, because they will soon be expected to follow suit.

The EU Gets Real About Energy Security

July 8, 2022 Victoria Coates Wall Street Journal

Standing up to Putin’s blackmail, the European Parliament classifies some nuclear and natural-gas projects as ‘sustainable.’ The U.S. should follow its lead.

The Logic of Israel’s Laser Wall

June 23, 2022 Ilan I. Berman National Institute for Public Policy

In early February, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced a major new defense initiative when, in an address to Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Strategic Studies, he laid out his administration’s plans for a “laser wall” to protect the country from rockets, missiles and UAVs. 

Establish Space National Guard now

June 7, 2022 Peter Garretson The Hill

Establishing the Space National Guard is the smart thing to do. To secure the nation’s advantage, it is essential that both the House and Senate include the Space National Guard language in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act.

With referendum, Kazakh President pushes for reforms

June 3, 2022 Svante E. Cornell, Albert Barro Euractiv

The proposed constitutional changes, following five months after the greatest unrest in the country’s modern history, accelerate the efforts by the country’s president to push for controlled political reforms. The EU, while focusing on Ukraine, should continue to engage with strategically important Central Asia.

Boris’s Big Blunder on Energy

June 2, 2022 Victoria Coates National Review

A cautionary tale for the U.S. as the U.K.’s ‘Conservatives’ choose pointless windfall taxes over investment incentives to deal with energy issues.

US, Ukraine need to agree on goals

May 20, 2022 Lawrence J. Haas The Hill

Are the United States and its allies willing to pay the price, assume the risks, and support Ukrainian efforts not only to restore the borders of Feb. 23 but also retake Crimea? They may be. But let’s make sure there’s no misunderstanding on that score in Kyiv, Washington, or the capitals of our NATO allies.

Congress shouldn’t rubber stamp Biden’s $33 billion supplemental for Ukraine

May 10, 2022 Victoria Coates, Rep. Chip Roy The Hill

Given the extraordinary size of President Biden’s most recent request, it is well past time for Congress to stop being a rubber stamp and start exercising proper oversight by demanding answers to some fundamental questions—first and foremost being “what is the overarching purpose of this assistance?”